Adult Programs

Library Game Night / Wednesday, March 22, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. O' Neill Room

Come enjoy Game Night at the library! Whether you're solving word puzzles, building towers, or unraveling mysteries, the library has something for you. From simple to complex, from lighthearted to more moody affairs, we have games for every level of interest and complexity available to play. Attendees can also feel free to bring their own games from home Great for teens and adults, drop in anytime!

The Buck Stops Here: The Life of Harry S. Truman / Thursday, March 23, 7:00 p.m. O'Neill Room

Harry S. Truman met his responsibilities and never turned his back on the uphill challenges of life. He was a revered military captain, failed haberdasher, county judge, two-term U.S. senator, and vice president for a mere 82 days. Then suddenly, on the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, thrust into office as the 33rd president of the United States.

Historian Jim Gibbons presents the life of the Missouri farmer and former president, known for his determination and persistence. Free to attend. No registration required.

A Cup of Health: Coping with Stress through Journaling / Tuesday, March 28, 1:30 p.m. O'Neill Room

Stressed out? This one-hour presentation will discuss chronic stress and its impact on physical and mental health. Participants will be introduced to and practice journaling as a coping technique to protect their well-being. This session will cover:

Normal stress vs. chronic stress
Stress-related health consequences
Personal stress assessment
Journaling as a coping technique
Journaling exercises

This is the first in a series of five "Cup of Health" programs in 2023, presented by a community health educator with the Waukesha County Public Health Department. Free to attend. Advance registration is appreciated.

Maximize Your Medicare Benefits / Thursday, March 30, 1:00 p.m. O'Neill Room

Learn about your Medicare options! This presentation will provide an overview of Medicare Parts A, B, C and D as well as supplemental insurance and an explanation of how they fit together. The program will also include information about Medicare’s annual open enrollment period and an explanation of how to use and understand the plan comparison tool on Medicare’s website: www.medicare.gov

Important information will be shared about special programs for Medicare beneficiaries with limited income that may help them pay their Medicare costs (Medicare Savings Plans) and also help pay for their Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (“Extra Help”). Presented in conjunction with the ADRC of Waukesha County and GWAAR (Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, Inc.).

Please register in advance for this presentation.

Common Scams and Frauds / Wednesday, April 5, 1:00 p.m. O'Neill Room

The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will discuss the details of common scams, the warning signs of a scam, and what to do if you or someone you know falls victim to a scam or fraud. Helpful factsheets from The Bureau of Consumer Protection will be available. As Wisconsin’s lead agency for consumer protection, the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, provides information and education, mediates complaints, investigates cases, and takes enforcement actions to fight fraudulent and deceptive practices that harm consumers and honest businesses. No registration required for this program.

French Paint: Letting Life Be Life: A Cornerstone History Symposium Art History Lecture Series

Lecture 5: Paul Gauguin: “Where Do We Come From, Where Are We Going” / Tuesday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. O'Neill Room

Paul Gauguin found in the exotic surroundings of Tahiti the inspiration of offering the imagination something new and strange. It was as if the artist found in the chaos of the universe a new pattern, and was attempting, clumsily at first and with anguish of the soul, to paint something revolutionary. In his attempts, Gauguin ultimately captured, with great originality, beauty in its purest form.

In this presentation, discover the life and works of the experimental post-impressionist, Paul Gauguin, made famous and celebrated only after his death in 1903. Presented by Professor Karri Fritz-Klaus of Cornerstone History Symposium. Join us for the final lecture in the five part series. Free to attend. No registration required.

Six Pillars of Brain Health / Wednesday, April 12, 10:30 a.m. O’Neill Room

It’s never too late to focus on your brain health! In the interactive session, you will learn about the six pillars of brain health, activities that support brain health, and hopefully be inspired by others. Learn about the latest research on brain health, lifestyle suggestions, and resources to learn more.

This free workshop is presented by AARP Wisconsin. It is the second in a series of five bimonthly AARP Wisconsin programs hosted by the library in 2023. No registration required.

Organic Fruit and Vegetable Gardening (EG Beautification Committee Winter Lecture Series) / Wednesday, April 12, 6:30 p.m. O'Neill Room

Are you interested in learning how to grow your own food organically and with the most proven methods? Or would you just like to hear the latest about small scale organic, ecological-minded food production? With graduate courses in agronomy and horticulture and over 15 years experience in local business, John Harrigan, the head gardener for Parkside 23, will enlighten you on the science based and time tested recommendations on growing food.

This is the sixth and final program in the 2022-23 Elm Grove Beautification Committee Winter Lecture Series, with partner support from the Elm Grove Library.

Writing the Second Half of Life / Wednesday, April 19, 1:00 p.m. O'Neill Room

The second half of life is not defined by a particular age. Rather, it begins in a moment brought about by all manner of life changing circumstances--a time when we recognize the need to reconsider who we are apart from roles, occupations, and daily duties. Join us to explore this rich, creative time of life through writing, discussion, and mindfulness exercises. Presented by author and writing coach Joanne Nelson. Free to attend. No registration required.

Nature's Ways: Emotional Healing and Spiritual Growth Through Nature Interaction / Wednesday, April 26, 7:00 p.m. O’Neill Room

The power of nature to heal and grow the human spirit is substantiated through an increasing body of behavioral research. Philip Chard, a thought leader in the field of eco-psychology and an award-winning newspaper columnist, illustrates how interacting with nature helps to overcome debilitating feelings, heal emotional wounds, promote self-understanding, nurture creativity, and further spiritual growth. Free to attend. No registration required.

Route 66: America's Main Street / Wednesday, May 3, 7:00 p.m. Community Room

Take a ride on America’s most famous highway, Route 66. Folk singer and humorist, Craig Siemsen, will explore the 2,448 miles of songs, stories, legends, and humor of Route 66. Often called Blue Highways, our two lane roads were once the backbone of an emerging country. This program offers a little history and a lot of fun! Free to attend. No registration required.

Cathedrals: Clues to Identifying Biblical Figures Around the World / Monday, May 15, 6:30 p.m. O’Neill Room

More than 10 million people visit cathedrals in Western Europe annually. The architecture and artistry are breathtaking. Paintings, statues, and stained glass fill visitors with awe and a sense of sanctity. While the sheer magnitude can be overwhelming, artists did use symbols and visual cues in their cathedral art to tell stories that people could see and touch.

Every biblical character has a visual name tag. For example, a burning bush looms before Moses, a whale swims beside Jonah, and the keys of heaven rest in the hands of St. Peter. Likewise, most of the apostles and martyrs carry the instruments of their death. This presentation will identify the visual name tags so you can recognize biblical characters in any cathedral. Free to attend. No registration required.

About the presenter: Dr. Lorrie Wenzel is a scripture professor and a noted church historian. She is the author of the new book Cathedrals: Clues to Identifying Biblical Imagery in Cathedrals Around the World. Dr. Wenzel speaks regularly about medieval cathedral imagery across the country, and has traveled to over 300 cathedrals and churches in throughout Europe.

A Cup of Health: Advance Care Planning: It's About the Conversation / Tuesday, May 23, 1:30 p.m. O'Neill Room

Advance Care Planning is a process of understanding, reflecting on, and discussing future medical decisions regarding of age and current health status. All adults should think about, discuss, and create an advance care plan. Having a plan is truly a gift for yourself and others. The session will cover:

What is advance care planning
Understanding your healthcare treatment options
Clarifying your healthcare goals
Weighing options about the kind of care you would want/not want
Why an advance care plan is important
Steps to creating an advance care plan
How to communicate your wishes with your family, friends and healthcare provider

This is the second in a series of five "Cup of Health" programs in 2023, presented by a community health educator with the Waukesha County Public Health Department. Free to attend. Advance registration is appreciated.

Milwaukee Mayhem: Murder and Mystery in the Cream City's First Century / Wednesday, May 31, 7:00 p.m. O’Neill Room

From murder and matchstick men to all-consuming fires, painted women, and Great Lakes disasters, historian and author Matthew J. Prigge uncovers the little-remembered and rarely told history of the underbelly of Milwaukee. This presentation will offer a new perspective on Milwaukee's early years, forgoing the major historical signposts found in traditional histories and focusing instead on the strange and brutal tales of mystery, vice, murder, and disaster that were born of the city's transformation from lakeside settlement to American metropolis. Join us for an engaging and occasionally chilling narrative of a forgotten Milwaukee. Free to attend. No registration required.